Month: Apr 2017

Agnes waters was the first town we hit that made us feel like we were in north qld. There were palm trees everywhere and beautiful mansions looking out towards the ocean. We stopped in for lunch at a small cafe, with what appeared to be Australias largest menu, covering all walls behind the counter. Food was ok, nothing delicious. We then went for a nice ride to the next town 1770. 

1770 is literally named after Captain Cooks arrival to QLD, a month or two after his arrival to Botany Bay in NSW. It was a nice town with some cute resturants and cafes looking out onto the water. We passed some beautiful and quirky houses on our way up to the lookout. The water was still pretty dirty from cyclone Debbie. Apparently that will take a few weeks to a month to go back to normal.

From there we head to our next camping location in Eurimbula National Park. Riding into the park was really beautiful and i assume because of the cyclone there was some cattle eating grass all around on both sides of the dirt track. It wasnt long until we hit a river crossing and the dirt track turned into a thick, soft sand track. My first experience riding in the sand and i fell over within the first 5 minutes. I was fine,just a bruised ego. After that i took it slow and just took each turn as they come. All up i rode 9kms in deep sand and it was tough. I was hungry, tired and very thirsty. By the time we got to the campsite i was grumpy and had decided i hated riding on sand! After some food the thought wasnt as bad.

The campsite was almost empty when we arrived, which was unusual considering school holidays had started. Over the few days of being there people slowly arrived.

Our days consisted of swimming in the ocean, laying under the shade of some trees on the beach and the card game uno. We later found out that crocs often frequent those shores. Ekk
We only planned on staying there one night but as it was such a mission to get there we decided 2. As there was no shops without heading back through the sand, we got all the food we had out of every bag and checked if we could last 2 nights. We realised we could easily and how much unessisary food we had.

On the table one of the items id taken out of my bag was a water bottle half full of apple cider vinegar. After going to a detox retreat in Phucket and knowing the health benefits i take a swig occasionally or put it with hot water to drink, preferably with a bit of honey.
Rob didnt know what it was and asked. I just told him to try it. ‘Dont smell it because you will guess, but try it and tell me what you think it is.’
He did.
Hahahahahaha That was the highlight of my day, not only did he taste it but he had a huge mouthful. His reaction was a dramatic adult version of giving a child there first lemon. Priceless.

Heading back through the sand i was in front and informed that its all about the speed. If you go too slow the bike moves too much and its a lot more effort to control. Just the right speed and you flow through smoothly.
We made it out of the park in one piece with no additional stacks thankfully.

From Noosa we head inland to a place called Wallaville. We had planned to stay in a different area however we had 3 road diversions due to flooding from the cyclone and a truck and car collision. It added a lot of unexpected time to our journey and we didnt want to set up camp in the dark so we got onto wikicamps and found a free sight behind a pub in a place called Wallaville.

It was a beautiful ride entering into a large farming community. Sugarcane on either side as you ride into town. One of the 2 lane bridges was closed on the outskirts of Wallaville as the flood had done some damage to it. The water was still the same height as the bridge and it was about a week after the cyclone. One side of the bridge was still a little under water and the bridge was now on a lean. The water line from the effects of the cyclone however still remained on the banks and the bridge would have been about 3 metres underwater.

We had riden past the closed road sign and now sat on the side of this fragile bridge slightly moving with the water. Rob starts to ride on the high side of the bridge slowly making his way to safety. I follow in his exact tyre marks cautiously as the bridge slightly moves. As Rob rides up ahead i get off to take pictures of the bridge and the flood marks. As im standing there 2 small vans full of farm workers slowly pull up to the other side of the bridge and cautiously drive over one at a time. All cheering and laughing as they get to the other side that im standing on. Within 2 minutes after the vans had passed another vehicle and driver pulled up at the other side of the bridge. It seemed as if the driver had been waiting for the passing or return of the two vans to determine what he should do. This time it was a tractor. As my heart pounded watching the tractor cross the bridge it swayed with every move. The driver gets to my side with a smile on his face and a friendly wave as if there was never anything to worry about.
Gotta love the Australian mentality “she’ll be right” (everything will be ok)

We arrive at the Wallaville Pub which was surrounded by cars but very few patrons inside. We later found out it was also a hostel and all rooms upstairs were full hence the cars.
We set up the tent and went inside to order a pizza. The lady behind the bar was amazing and very friendly. The pub was an old one which had obviously stood the test of time with old blocked off doors and pictures of it 100 years ago.

The next stop was lunch in Bunderburg. Riding into town there was a board that had been stuck to a sign saying mower races this sunday. Haha, only in Bunderburg. The town was pretty with the buildings being old collonial style. Bundy was nice for a short stop but we were happy to get on our way. Two seperate groups of teenagers managed to walk past us with loud music playing from there phones whilst we ate lunch. Funny.
We had a ride around the town and head off to Agnes Waters.    

From Toowoomba we went back into Brisbane unexpectedly. The storms had delayed our journey so we were now able to see my friends Katie and Michael who were holidaying in Australia from Bali. I use to work with them both in Brisbane about 10 years ago but have remained good friends and was happily a part of their amazing wedding . We rode the two hours back to Brisy for a catch up. It was good to see them, it had been years since i had seen the kids. How time flys.

From there we head back up to the sunshine coast to stay with Kate again, what a legend for putting us up. Had a look at some local organic shops that i hadnt seen before, they housed all of my favourite things.

From there we rode to gorgeous Noosa to meet another one of Robs close friends Jonesy.
Unfortunatly it rained majority of the time we were there and Jonesy had only flown up from Melbourne for a few days to meet us. Good on ya Jonesy!!

Jonesy had to hire a car to drive up from Brisbane to Noosa so Rob suggested he get one big enough to sleep in instead of bringing a tent. He did and we set up in a caravan park for the night with Jonesy’s car parked near our tent. On the second night Jonesy went to the toilet in the middle of the night. Forgetting he had locked the car, he opened the door, the car alarm went off and it was incredibly loud. As Jonesy fumbeled around looking for the key in his half asleep state it went off for about a minute until he found it. The park manager was quick to arrive at the scene and asked if it was his car as he returned from the toilet. He assured her he had just forgotten where he placed the key and waited for her to walk off so he could sneak back into the car to sleep. Not a practice allowed in the park.

I woke up when it went off not knowing what was happening. The last time i had been woken by an alarm was in a Manchester hotel to a fire alarm. I quickly woke Rob as an instant reaction in panic. As he sleeps with earplugs he just pulled one out, said calmly ” its a car alarm, probably Jonesy” he smiled, and went back to sleep.

Whilst in Noosa we went to the main beach which was hiding just behind the main street in front of some restaurants. I like the feel of the main street being so natural with all the plants and trees everywhere. We also head over to the Noosa National Park where we did the beautiful coastal walk. Highly recommended. Popped into the beach for a quick swim in the momentary hour break from the rain. After that we popped up to Laguna Lookout which was very tranquil as the rain drops were lightly falling onto us.

One day we head to the surf club for some dinner and drinks taking the night further at a quirky little bar called Valley Bicycle.
On another rainey day we went bowling and got flogged by Jonesy. If that wasnt bad enough Rob challenged him in the games room to a round of basketball shots. He killed us at that game too. Overall we had a great time in beautiful Noosa with Jonesy.

I didnt realise that Toowoomba was so high up in altitude. Over 600mts high we weaved our bikes through the windy roads from Brisbane up the hills. The air becoming crisp and fresh  as i felt it pass through my new mesh riding  jacket. We got to Hoff,Leslies and there  gorgeous son Luke’s house. Close friends of Robs.

It had been a very long time since Rob and Hoff had spent some quality time with each other so there was excitement in the air . As we rode up the house the garage door opened as though they were waiting our arrival. We were then happily greeted by the Hoffard family. Hoff (Andrew) is tall with whitish blonde hair blue eyes and snow white skin. Leslie with dark hair, dark skin and brown eyes and there son Luke is right in between. Light brown hair, lighter brown eyes and light brown skin. What a great and culturally unique looking family, especially for in the country. I was excited to get to know them.

They were warm and welcoming and interested to hear of the adventure. Our first 2 days in Toowoomba was all about catching up, we chatted, the guys bonded whilst mowing the lawn together and we watched a movie or two.

The next day we went into Toowomba for some lunch, had a look at the beautiful view from the town lookout whilst surrounded by bicycle riders. There was a bicycle race on, and the lookout was the finish line. One car started to drive on the road towards the finish line quickly realising that it was not a road for cars today. The driver sheepishly reversed whilst the remaining bikers trying to finish the race road around. Funny to watch.

Next we went hiking around Bunyas National Park. It was about a 9km hike stopping for lunch inbetween at a nice cafe half way along the walk. The cafe felt like it appeared
 out of nowhere. The trek wasn’t too challenging yet enough to feel saticfied. I was however always the one straddling behind stopping for pictures and just gazing at the copious  amounts of different flora and fauna, even mushrooms in the park. One may  possibly be edible but its never worth it unless your 100%.

Rob and i were only planning on staying in Toowoomba a few nights but there has been a category 4 cyclone Debbie that has torn up and flooded North Queensland, our next stop. So we happily stayed put for an extra 6 days.

In that time we ate copious amounts of great food and lots of junk food including chips, chocolate and ice-cream. Rob and i had to not only wheel our bikes out of Toowoomba but each other as well.

We went out for a Japanese lunch and played mini golf one of those days. Its such a fun game, i had forgotten. Its amazing how competitive grown ups can get over mini golf. The day was warm and sunny as most days were in Toowoomba. We did get a full day of rain when the edges of Debbie flew over but the rest was great.

Another day we head to the cinema. Hoff and Rob may have been the only men in the cinema whilst watching Beauty and the Beast. The cartoon version was my favourite childhood movie so i was quick to suggest the movie and the guys didnt seem to mind to much whilst Leslie agreed. It was a fantastic movie, they did a great job i would definitely see it again.

After the edges of the storm hit Toowomba we head to Dalby ‘the cotton capital’ as there was a motor bike shop that stocked KTM air filters and Robs needed replacing. People in the town were amazingly friendly in every shop we went into. On the way we had to detour 3 times as two of the roads were flooded from the one day of rain. I can only imagine how bad it must have been for the poor people in the eye of the storm. I guess we will see very soon.

Our last night finished of with a seafood paella loaded with mortan bag bugs and prawns! Delicious!! We got spoilt. Thank you Toowoomba, you were amazing!!

Rob and i have been spoilt this week not only with great company but we were pampered.

We visited my gorgeous cousin Alisha and her husband Mike for a catch up where she was able to cut our hair for free! Yayy!!
Mine went from my waist to above my shoulders and Rob got an overall tidy up.
Alisha is still a hairdresser on the side but now studying Architecture and interior design. She will be an amazing architect or designer! She is very creative.

We then caught up with my nephew Levi and his mum Ash at the park. Rob and Levi were wearing matching clothes, it was just the cutest. Rob is not the biggest child lover, to be honest, ill be lucky if hes ever ready for them in the future. Today however, he was a different man. As Ash and i talked, Rob took off with Levi playing  the whole time we were there. Levi really liked him too. Rob said he likes him because he doesn’t cry. Which he doesn’t, hardly never. After managing to pry the pair apart we head home.

Arriving home my sister Sheri decided to pamper Rob and i as she has a home beauty salon.
I went first getting a full body scrub with a dry brush, exfoliating beads and then moisturising oil placed over me before being wrapped up in a complete silver and gold aluminum  body wrap. Whilst i was wrapped up like a catapilla all the oils soaked into my skin and Sheri treated me with an amazing facial. She then turned me over and gave me a full back massage. Im not sure how long i fell asleep for as i slept for an hour after the massage.
Rob was up next and he got a back massage. Sheri said that he had/ has a lot of knots. She tried her best, but it will take more future attempts they have been there a while she guessed.

The next night we spent it with another cousin Carly, also a qualified hairdresser. Carly is studying to become a beauty therapist  as well whilst she works full time. Busy girl!
Carly and her partner Larissa chatted our ears off in all the right ways. They told us about there goals, ambitions and challenges they have faced. Carly and Larissa hadn’t considered themselves lesbians but merely fell in love with a female. To have the courage to go against the grain, for love is wonderful i think. Just as long as they are happy and living a positive fullfilling life. Good on them!

That brinds us to the day we left Brisbane. I was putting our rubbish in the large outside bin. As i walked down the front stairs i heard something rustling in the leaves and out slithered a snake. At first i thought it was a tree snake with its slightly yellow belly so i wasnt too bothered as it slithered by, up the side of the fence. But as soon as i got inside and researched and realised on my phone that i had just been within a metres distance of a brown snake, the 2nd most poisonous snake in the world. I was freaking out. To make matters worse Rob was searching down the side of the fence for the snake!!!
As i screamed out the window to Rob it scared the shizzels out of him as all of his senses were heightened on the snake hunt. Ekkk he didn’t see it so he came back inside not long after. I informed Sheri and her husband Respy and off we road to Toowoomba.

What a massive day. We headed to the winery for lunch, caught up with a few friends i hadn’t seen for about 6 years. We all did our training together for Emirates.

Anthea is doing amazing which is really good to see. Finished her dental degree but enjoys her job flying around oz training staff at car dealerships too much to start doing dentistry yet. She said one day. In the meantime she has written a book with 100% of the proceeds going to charity. It was a huge success and hit #1 on amazon in 6 categories, 6! It even sat before Oprah’s book.
Its called “Invest in ourselves, own our lives!”
I can’t wait to read it.

We did wine tasting which was delicious, only $5 per person, and ate lots of cheese and biscuits. The group was so fun! We particularly got along with another couple really well. So much so that we ended up going back to there place for more drinks, went out to the Regatta together and stayed the night at there place on there day bed. What legends Allie and Chris!!
They both went to India a few months ago and did a lot of yoga including handstands and head stands. So naturally after a few drinks the handstands with a full body push up was on display. Of course Rob and i wanted to try, i failed miserably landing on my head which i am still suffering a sore neck from. Rob on the other hand was planning a handstand against the pole. He started off well and then completely missed the pole landing on the curb and road. 

Thankfully i got it on camera, and thankfully he feels no pain today. I have watched the video about 15 times already. Haha it cracks me up!!

As i started to walk upstairs last night to say good night all i could hear was the sounds of my sister Sheri vomiting.
Ekkk gastro
Poor thing its in her first week of a new job. She is now a qualified beauty therapist and has landed a job in a vintage beauty salon which is right up her ally. I often thought as a child she liked pretty strange hairstyles. Turns out they were just from the 1950s, shes just an old soul because no one taught her those, she just knew. Hats off to her, she was studying full time whilst pregnant and then with a baby, she still managed to get a dermalogica scholarship for being a great student. I had no idea there was so much involved in beauty therapy. 3 years of study. I helped her with one of the nail exams and it was so in depth about the complete anatomy of the nail.

Anyways she was sick all day, vomiting and diarrhea. Its hard because i wanted to help and make sure she was ok but at the same time not get too close.
She fell asleep so off we went for lunch, not to worry as her hubby had taken the day off too as he had a milder version,so i had faith she would be ok.
Lunch was with Robs family that he hasnt seen for over 10 years.
Robs family are lovely, very friendly, chatty, welcoming and funny. Rob was really happy to see them after all these years and we couldnt have met at a better place. Manly Yatch Club.
It reminded me of the yatch club in Dubai ive happily spent copious amounts of hours in and passing through. Definitely something i would love to do again when im settled back in Australia, sail.

They were kind and i know from that meeting  the prospect of potentially moving to Queensland is less daunting for Rob knowing he has family.
Thankfully Robs Aunty and Uncle were able to drop us off at my Korean friends place,  Monika and Timmys. There is not much public transport around where my sister lives we realised, and we had a few wines so best not to risk it. We went to Korean bbq. Robs first time. It took him a little while to get use to the idea he was cooking it himself. Timmy loved the fact that Rob ate everything. He told Rob he is now a Korean man. It was great to catch up with them they seemed very happy. There son James joined us as well who is 1 1/2. He is such a cutie. They also have a dog Sally, she has her own Facebook page, its hilarious.

Monika is doing great, she is now shipping things from Korea and selling them on a website just for fun. She is making 300% on some products as you can’t get them in Australia and they are popular in Korea, so the Korean Aussies want them. Most people aren’t prepared to pay the shipping costs as they are expensive and would have to buy a lot to justify it, so they order and buy through Monika. She use to work for a shipping company so she knows the ins and outs. I’m so proud of her, i can’t wait to get back to see what Korean goods are available, after we have settled of course and i have more space than a bag.